Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Ark; St Leonards; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A primary education establishment in St Leonards is seeking a part-time Emotional Literacy Support Assistant to develop children's emotional literacy across year groups from EYFS to Year 3. The role requires an ELSA trained individual who is passionate about supporting children's learning. Responsibilities include individual and group support, running a lunchtime club, and collaborating with colleagues and external agencies. Join a dedicated team committed to professional development and making a positive impact on students' lives.

Benefits

Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale

Twice as many training days as standard

Generous pension scheme

Access to Ark rewards

Interest-free loans up to £5,000

Gym discounts up to 40%

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Must be trained in Emotional Literacy Support.
• Eager to learn new skills and open to feedback.
• Passionate about supporting children's learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop children's emotional literacy in EYFS to Year 3.
• Run a lunchtime club for children who find it difficult.
• Work with colleagues and outside agencies to support students.

Skills

Emotional literacy skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Education

ELSA training

Job description

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a fully trained part time Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our great staff team at Ark Blacklands Primary Academy, working primarily across year groups from EYFS to Year 3, however sometimes years 4-6, to develop children’s emotional literacy and support them to be successful in their learning.

This is a key post in our school which is centred around supporting children to understand and regulate their own emotions whilst also respecting the feelings of those around them.

We are looking for an experienced ELSA, to ensure the best support for our pupils. However, we are prepared to train the right candidate who is self‑motivated and willing to undertake ample self‑study in order to increase their own knowledge.

Our ELSA will help children to develop their social and emotional skills in order to flourish in school. They will work in small groups or 1:1 situations and also be willing to occasionally teach ELSA strategies to whole classes. The successful candidate will also be required to work with colleagues in school, parents, outside agencies and may also be called upon at short notice to support specific children if other members of staff are not available. The role will also involve working with our Pastoral Lead, Assistant Head for Inclusion and Senior Mental Health Lead. The team is also supported by two professional counsellors from Me and MyMind and Place2Be.

Our ELSA also will run a lunchtime club to specifically support children who find lunchtimes difficult.

The successful candidate will:

• be ELSA trained or currently working to complete training in 2026
• be eager to learn new skills, open to feedback and committed to professional development.
• be highly committed, enthusiastic, flexible and skilled and passionate about supporting children’s learning.
• have high expectations of children and themselves; be able to show initiative and work independently and as part of a team and embrace our Academy’s values.
• be able to plan and deliver individual and group support programmes with resources to meet the social, emotional and mental health needs of our children
• have good time management and organisational skills keeping confidential, accurate and succinct records of involvement
• communicate well with children gaining their confidence and trust, by being approachable and willing to listen
• have a warm personality and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• be emotionally literate themselves, with a high degree of empathy and discretion and commitment to Inclusion.

View the full job description and person specification here.

Interested in this exciting opportunity? We warmly encourage you to visit to meet the team and the children. Please contact Mr Coleman on 01424 429279, or email [e-mail] to arrange a visit to the school or informal chat.

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
• Interest‑free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at https://arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

Together, we achieve!

There are 630 very good reasons to join our school!

Ark Blacklands Primary Academy is a large, 3‑form entry primary school with a new intake each year of 3 forms, with 90 pupils in each year group, from reception through to year 6. Our staff make a tremendous effort to get to know each pupil and provide them with the very best care.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly, caring team of professionals, who are committed to providing the very best for every child in our school, and we will offer you plenty of opportunities for professional development with the very best training and support at every stage of your career.

Visit arkblacklandsprimary.org/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Safeguarding statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non‑disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment – this will depend on the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on‑going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Diversity and inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.